Patricia Locke jewelry speaks a distinctive visual language that encourages self-expression and hints at a subliminal universe of rites, passages, and mysteries. Inspired from a wealth of cultural and historic influences, including architecture, archeology, astronomy, and global travel, her provocative collections reflect an aura of romance, self-possession, and multi-faceted femininity. Locke's collection blends the depth of fine art with a modern sense of fashion. Her work is immediately recognizable for its distinctive asymmetry, tantalizing multi-metal combinations, and elegant use of positive/negative space. Each piece presents an exquisite paradox, at once handsome and beautiful, organic and geometric, and contemporary with heirloom overtones. Self-taught, Locke had never worked with her hands or taken an art class prior to undertaking what would become her life’s work in jewelry design. She designed her first pieces, fine jewelry in sterling silver and gold in 1971, working largely by private commission for several years. By 1979, the desire to reach a wider audience prompted her first designer costume jewelry collection, which she personally—and quickly—sold one-on-one to prominent galleries and retailers. In 1997 Deborah Rethemeyer joined Locke as a partner in the business. Locke and Rethemeyer work together to design five collections annually. Patricia Locke jewelry is handcrafted by a team of artisans outside of Chicago, Illinois.